It's a form of internal hernia. Only a small number of colic cases (7% or less) are caused by this condition, and statistically there is a considerably higher incidence of this type of colic in cribbers. According to this article, there is about a 69% success rate for this type of surgery. https://staciemac13.wordpress.com/2013/ ... ntrapment/

Hoping that the Cat comes through this and goes on to live a very long life.

Is anyone else wondering if maybe the hernia had been developing & bothering him for the last little while, without outward symptoms aside from lackluster races? Is that possible?

I'm far from knowledgeable about this, knowing only what I read after a Google search, but from that alone it seems to me the answer to your question is no. The reason I believe such is because a tear like that, even a relatively small one, strangles a part of the intestine causing severe pain. If you haven't had the chance to do so, perhaps consider reading the article I linked. It's about this same condition in a draft horse. They tend to be much calmer than most thoroughbreds, yet that poor horse showed intense distress. I posted the link because it helps explain the situation with Ben from a non-medical professional's point of view. The owner describes what the vets said about her horse's condition and prognosis, and might give us some insight into what Ben is facing.

I do know that once the intestine becomes trapped there is severe pain - but IIRC depending on the type of hernia, it can be a nagging issue for awhile before being diagnosed (at least in people). So I was wondering how long it might have been developing before becoming acute when the intestine pushed through.

Hoping Ben continues to make steady improvement and glad to hear he is doing better. I wonder who is paying for the surgery and hospitalization costs , which will be substantial? Seems like the former connections should help the new owner out here since she just adopted him.

Squeaky wrote:Hoping Ben continues to make steady improvement and glad to hear he is doing better. I wonder who is paying for the surgery and hospitalization costs , which will be substantial? Seems like the former connections should help the new owner out here since she just adopted him.

Yes, hoping Ben continues to heal and that he recovers completely. As for ownership, none of the articles have made it clear about ownership. Is Ben just residing at their farm? Does Mr. Leatherbury still own him in whole or in part? We probably will never know the answers to all these questions, including who is paying for his veterinary care. I'm just so pleased that whatever the ownership situation is, they are giving Ben excellent care.

His racing team has be devastated. Seems like we just watched his groom talk about loading him up on the trailer to go to his new home. How others were crying and he propped them up telling them the horse was sound and this was a great home...But he also mentioned Ben was anxious about leaving so late at night. The van was late and it took some time for him to load.

Poor Ben. The change was just too much it seems though surely he had time at a farm during his career? Maybe he should have gone there first to be let down? Anyone's guess now. Sure was sad to read the headline and then the story.

So not freakin fair. I had hoped that Ben would sail through his recovery and have many more happy years to enjoy life on the farm. Fate can be cruel sometimes. It doesn't seem fair that Ben JUST retired and now he's gone. My condolences to his connections and king leatherbury

So sorry to hear this news. Condolences to all of those who cared for him, and cheered for him, but especially to Mr. Leatherbury. Ben's Cat has surely
earned his place in the Maryland racing pantheon and will never be forgotten by his loyal and dedicated following.

Rest Easy, Rest Well...

WarBiscuit

"One horse-laugh is worth ten thousand syllogisms. It is not only more effective; it is also vastly more intelligent." H.L. Mencken

we all know there is a lot of unfair crap that happens in this life - for whatever reasons - - - but I echo the sentiment expressed here earlier..... this is so not freakin fair - since I read the news, I am either really sad and sorry - or just plain pissed.